“If you see an account out there in the name of Mr. Godwin please, at this time, do not contribute to that account.”

However, in a statement, GoFundMe representatives say they will make sure the money raised will go to the proper people.

“We have spoken with the GoFundMe campaign organizer, members of the family, and local authorities,” said Bobby Whithorne in a written statement to WKYC. “We’ll guarantee the money will be deposited directly into the family’s bank account.”

“But if there’s something out there that doesn’t feel right or seems like it’s a red flag dig a little deeper or maybe give in another way, other than using a crowdfunding site,” says Gillcrist.

WKYC also checked with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and we were told the Economic Crimes Unit successfully prosecuted a case where a local DJ was sentenced to prison after embezzling more than $7,000 from funds raised through a GoFundMe account.

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